Tradarcher
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2005
- Location
- Creedmoor, NC
My new 97 Jeep has a steering box leak. Fluid is dripping off the pitman shaft. Is this a cake job or a PITA job? Looks like the seal kit is about $20.
Jeep steering box leak
- Thread starter Tradarcher
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2005
- Location
- Archer Lodge
it may be more than just a seal leak.
If the sector shaft ( what the pitman is splined too ) isn't turning true, or the seal has worn a groove into the sealing surface, you have other issues.
Not turning true would be a result of the bushing in the case being worn or smashed from some sort of impact. Thus letting the sector shaft ARC thru it's range instead of rotate on center axis. Hell the thing could be bent as well.
What I would do, get another steering gear ( one that isn't leaking) install in place of what you have now. Take old box and diesect it, figure out whats wrong, THEN order parts and reinstall as needed, you may or may not need it, but at least you know how to fix the other with minimum down time. AND you can always sell the rebuilt one.
If the sector shaft ( what the pitman is splined too ) isn't turning true, or the seal has worn a groove into the sealing surface, you have other issues.
Not turning true would be a result of the bushing in the case being worn or smashed from some sort of impact. Thus letting the sector shaft ARC thru it's range instead of rotate on center axis. Hell the thing could be bent as well.
What I would do, get another steering gear ( one that isn't leaking) install in place of what you have now. Take old box and diesect it, figure out whats wrong, THEN order parts and reinstall as needed, you may or may not need it, but at least you know how to fix the other with minimum down time. AND you can always sell the rebuilt one.
drkelly
Dipstick who put two vehicles on jack stands
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2005
- Location
- Oak Ridge/Stokesdale, NC
I did it on my old 76 Jimmy many years ago and it was easy. I think there was a clip that held the seals in. Remove that, start vehicle and turn the wheel. The pressure blows the seals out. Then remove the pitman arm to replace the seals. At least that is what I remember doing. It is easy and cheap, so worth a shot before spending anymore dough or time. The new seals fixed mine, and it was leaking pretty badly.
DK
DK
Erik
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2005
- Location
- Wilmington, NC
i started to rebuild the box on my 89 yj and gave up rather quickly.
i replaced it with a steering box from a 98 4wd durango. has a tighter gear ratio and steers much different, and in my opinion better now.... the gears in this box might not be ideal for rock crawling where you woudl be tryign to use your powersteering to overcome obstacles though.... but for a daily driver or trail jeep it's money well spent in my opinion.
i replaced it with a steering box from a 98 4wd durango. has a tighter gear ratio and steers much different, and in my opinion better now.... the gears in this box might not be ideal for rock crawling where you woudl be tryign to use your powersteering to overcome obstacles though.... but for a daily driver or trail jeep it's money well spent in my opinion.